Are you craving a warm, comforting treat that's both easy to make and utterly delicious? Look no further! This snickerdoodle recipe, elevated with a swirl of creamy cream cheese, is the perfect answer. Forget those dry, crumbly snickerdoodles of the past; these are soft, intensely spiced, and bursting with flavor. It's a recipe that's perfect for beginner bakers and seasoned pros alike, promising a delightful homemade treat that will quickly become a family favorite. Get ready to bake up a batch of these amazing cookies – your taste buds will thank you!
Ingredients:
For the Cookies:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 16 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
For the Coating:
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
Instructions:
Get Started:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze!
Make the Dough:
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and cream cheese until light and fluffy. A stand mixer or hand mixer works best for this step.
- Gradually beat in the granulated sugar until well combined.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay!
Shape and Coat the Cookies:
- Roll the dough into 1-inch balls.
- In a shallow dish, combine the coating sugar and cinnamon.
- Roll each dough ball in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until thoroughly coated.
- Place the coated dough balls onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie.
Bake to Perfection:
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. Keep a close eye on them as ovens can vary.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips for the Best Snickerdoodles:
- Softened Butter and Cream Cheese are Key: Make sure both are truly softened for a smooth, creamy dough.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough cookies. Mix until just combined.
- Chill the Dough (Optional): For even thicker cookies, chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking.
- Adjust the Spices: Feel free to adjust the amount of cinnamon and nutmeg to your liking. A dash of cloves or ginger would also be delicious!
Variations:
- Chocolate Snickerdoodles: Add ½ cup of cocoa powder to the dry ingredients for a decadent twist.
- Mini Snickerdoodles: Roll the dough into smaller balls for bite-sized treats.
- Glazed Snickerdoodles: Drizzle melted white chocolate or cream cheese frosting over the cooled cookies for an extra layer of deliciousness.
Nutritional Information (per cookie, approximate):
Calories: 150-180 Fat: 8-10g Saturated Fat: 5-7g Sugar: 15-20g Protein: 2-3g
These cream cheese snickerdoodles are a fantastic addition to any occasion – from casual weeknight baking to holiday gatherings. Enjoy the warm, comforting aroma and the delightful taste of these easy-to-make cookies! They’re the perfect example of how delicious homemade food recipes can be quick and simple, perfect for busy weeknights or a relaxing weekend treat. These easy recipes deliver delicious dishes and are some of the best recipes for healthy meals. Enjoy!